Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20, and its pre-sales have already captured a spot among the top five on Steam’s global bestseller list.
As of March 18, Steam’s Global Top Sellers list places Assassin’s Creed Shadows in second position, trailing only behind Counter-Strike 2. It’s worth noting that despite CS2 being a free-to-play game, its ranking is based on total revenue, which includes in-game purchases. This means games like CS2 benefit from substantial earnings through microtransactions, affecting their overall ranking on the list.
With AC Shadows reviews now available, confirming it as a solid entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise—even if it doesn’t break new ground—it has still outperformed a significant Steam title before its official launch.
How Assassin’s Creed Shadows Outpaces Split Fiction in Sales
Split Fiction, the cooperative game that surged to the top of global sales following its March 6 release, was pushed down to third place by Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 18.
Split Fiction had been dominating the UK gaming charts and even outsold the Steam Deck recently. However, AC Shadows has now surpassed it, achieving higher sales than Valve’s popular portable console.
Among the major titles that AC Shadows is outperforming are Monster Hunter Wilds and several AAA blockbusters currently available at reduced prices during Steam’s Spring Sale, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Marketing and Competition: AC Shadows in the Japanese Gaming Market
AC Shadows is set in Japan, and its representation of the country’s feudal period has fueled some controversy. Nevertheless, the game surged to become one of Amazon Japan’s top-sellers leading up to its launch.
Despite this initial success, AC Shadows’ sales have dipped following the positive reception and launch of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch, with Xenoblade now dominating the sales charts in Japan.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition received a perfect score of 10/10 in our review, highlighting how it “modernizes and adds new content while preserving the original experience.” This acclaim likely explains why many players in Japan are now opting for Xenoblade Chronicles X instead of AC Shadows.
Frequently Asked Questions about Assassin’s Creed Shadows
When is the official release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The official release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows is March 20.
Where does Assassin’s Creed Shadows rank on Steam’s Global Top Sellers?
As of March 18, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is ranked second on Steam’s Global Top Sellers list.
What major titles is AC Shadows outselling currently?
AC Shadows is currently outselling titles such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Why has AC Shadows faced criticism regarding its setting?
The game is set in Japan, and its portrayal of the country’s feudal era has sparked some controversy among audiences.
How has Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition affected AC Shadows‘ sales?
After the successful launch and positive reviews of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, AC Shadows‘ sales saw a decline in Japan, as Xenoblade took the top position in the charts.